can I convert a gas central heat unit to electrical?

Question

I purchased a house with a new central heat unit that is gas. The gas company has made switch-over such a nightmare that I would like to know if anyones knows of a conversion kit to convert to electric? Thanks

Answer 1

I don't know of such a kit, but I'm a big fan of geothermal heating.

A ground source heat pump system, including the underground loops, costs about $2,500 per ton of capacity, or roughly $7,500 for a 3-ton unit (typical residential size). Approximately half of this cost is related to the geothermal loop configuration. It can be expected to last from 20 to 30 years with minimal maintenance. A conventional heating and cooling system costs up to $4,000.

At first glance, this price difference of $3,500 may seem impractical and too costly. However, buyers must carefully consider monthly energy costs over the life of the equipment when making a decision. As the school administrators in Fond du Lac and Evansville learned this past year, rising energy prices can destroy annual budgets and geothermal systems are a good way to minimize future price shocks.

Since these systems use from 25% to 50% less energy than conventional systems, users will spend less on their monthly energy bills. In fact, many homeowners could spend from $35 to $70 less per month, meaning that most ground source systems will "pay for themselves" in 2 to 10 years. The additional cost of $3,500 will be recovered from the monthly energy savings. After the "payback" period, the owner will simply pay much-reduced utility bills.

Ground-source heat pumps can be retrofitted in existing homes that have traditional forced-air systems. In most cases, the heat pump can be connected to the existing ductwork while the loop system is installed outside in the ground adjacent to the home.

Interested? Take Advantage of Available Incentives


Many brands of ground source heat pumps carry the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR label. It qualifies them for an ENERGY STAR loan from banks and other lending institutions. (Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.)
When upgrading a home’s energy efficiency, these retrofits can be financed through "energy efficiency mortgages." (For more information, read the EnergyMatch feature article titled New Ways to Finance Home Energy Efficiency Improvements.)
Many lending institutions recognize that ground source heat pumps reduce monthly utility bills and will approve higher loan amounts. Visit www.energyloan.net/ for more information.

Answer 2

A gas unit contains a furnace and an air conditioner. Unfortunately, there is no way to convert gas to electricity in this type of unit. If you are seriously interested in switching over, talk to the builder/HVAC company who installed the unit. It's possible they could switch it out for a fee. Depending on where you live, gas heat can be costly but it's also warmer.

Answer 3

It's not possible. They're two completely different systems. You're gonna have to replace the furnice. Sorry.

Answer 4

Can't and shouldn't do it. The gas is more efficient and provides better heat.

Answer 5

New furnace.